FC Barcelona defeated Las Palmas 3-0 today without any fans present at the Camp Nou. There was tension in the Catalan region as Spanish police attempted to shut down various polling stations throughout the morning because of an independence referendum which had been deemed illegal by the Spanish government.

There were reports that both, the Spanish Football League and the Royal Spanish Football Federation refused to call the game off after Barça contemplated postponing today’s game. However, with the risk of facing a potential points punishment of six points, Barça went ahead with the game. The players entered the empty Camp Nou while donning their Senyera warmup shirts.

After a forgettable first half, Barça broke the deadlock three minutes after the restart after Busquets headed in Messi’s corner kick goal. Messi then would go on to score goals in the 70th and 76th minute to ensure a 3-0 win and keep Barça perfect in the Spanish league by kicking off their league campaign with 7 consecutive wins. International break means Barça won’t be back in action until October 14, when they face Atlético Madrid away at their new stadium.